Common Confirms That ‘Sweet’ Diss Was Directed At Drake

When Common dropped the single “Sweet” from his latest album The Dreamer/The Believer, a few of his lyrics were interpreted as a jab at Drake (“Singing all around me man, la la la”). Since then Common has been questioned about the “subliminal shots” a few times, but during a Tuesday (December 20) appearance on Sway in the Morning, the Chicago rapper finally confirmed that the lines were directed towards Drake (and any other rapper who fits into the category.)

When asked if the song was directed at Drake, Common’s response was as follows: “He opened his mouth and said some things, so if that’s what he want—all that subliminal [talk]…you could do that too, but say it now. The verse is about me but when you hear some of the stuff on the chorus it’s like you can’t help but think about dude and I guess that’s what he felt. So at the end of day he fits in that category, he already embraced it, so wear it.”

In terms of Drake being a prime target these days, Common added, “He’s a very successful artist obviously and like I said, he’s a talented artist too— I give credit where it’s due.”

Common didn’t seem at all worried about the whole thing, referencing infamous battles between rappers like Jay-Z and Nas as a natural part of hip-hop culture. “It’s just about MCing and once you step in there, you’re in the ring baby—especially if you’re gonna say ‘I’m the champion, I’m the greatest,” he said. “Just like for me, I’m on “Sweet” saying ‘I’m the greatest’—there’s gonna be some cats that gon’ come at me, but I’m a warrior so let’s go.”

During a recent show in Las Vegas, Drake reportedly reacted to Common’s jab, saying, “I might sing, but I ain’t no bitch. If Common got something to say, say it to my face.”

Drake’s go-to producer Noah “40” Shebib chimed in on the conversation via Twitter earlier today, directing the following messages at Common: “@common, I remember being called a bitch in grade 9 cause I had your cd. Good thing I also had 456 by kool g rap on me. Now that’s real After “one day it’ll all make sense” came out I spent months arguing weather or not @common was hip hop. Everyone was saying it was too rnb. I’m not dissing, just facts. I love common. I also love swv and John b.”